ISLAMABAD — April 21, 2025 In a significant diplomatic engagement, the United Arab Emirates’ Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, concluded his two-day official visit to Pakistan on Monday. The visit marks a renewed commitment to strengthening long-standing diplomatic, economic, and cultural relations between the two brotherly nations.
Warm Welcome and High-Level Meetings
Sheikh Abdullah arrived in Islamabad on Sunday evening and was received by Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The visit, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO), is a testament to the “deep-rooted, fraternal relationship” shared by the two countries.
During his stay, Sheikh Abdullah held in-depth discussions with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Dar. Talks focused on expanding cooperation in a wide range of areas, including trade, investment, energy, regional security, and people-to-people ties.
Growing Momentum in Relations
At a joint press conference, Sheikh Abdullah expressed satisfaction with the current pace of development in UAE-Pakistan ties.
“The relationship is growing at a good pace,” he said, highlighting increased cooperation across various sectors. “In the past year or two, things have been moving faster than they have for a while.”
He expressed optimism for continued collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, and aviation, stressing the shared desire among leaders and citizens of both nations to build a more prosperous future together.
MoUs Signed to Deepen Cooperation
A major highlight of the visit was the signing and exchange of several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), signaling a strong push to institutionalize bilateral cooperation:
- Cultural Cooperation: Aimed at fostering cultural understanding and exchange between both nations.
- Consular Affairs: Establishment of a joint committee to enhance consular services and streamline support for Pakistani expatriates in the UAE.
- Joint Business Council: A landmark MoU between the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry to launch the UAE-Pakistan Joint Business Council. This council is expected to bolster private sector engagement and boost bilateral trade.
“These documents aim to further strengthen bonds between citizens and businesspeople from both nations,” the FO shared via social media.
Security Measures and Upcoming Visa Reforms
Sheikh Abdullah’s visit was accompanied by enhanced security measures in Islamabad, with temporary traffic diversions implemented in key areas including Karal Chowk, Express Highway, and Faizabad.
The visit also followed an announcement by UAE Ambassador to Pakistan, Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-Zaabi, that Pakistani nationals will soon be eligible for five-year UAE visas, pending the resolution of procedural matters — a move that is expected to ease travel and encourage long-term engagement.
Brotherly Ties and a Promising Future
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar warmly acknowledged the visit and expressed hope for even deeper cooperation in the future.
“Pakistan and the UAE have age-old fraternal relations, shared commitments, and mutual affection,” Dar said. “We wish the visit was longer, but we understand Sheikh Abdullah has pressing global commitments.”
The FO concluded that this high-level interaction will “further cement Pakistan-UAE ties and contribute to deepening bilateral engagements in diverse fields.”
As Sheikh Abdullah departs, the visit leaves behind a trail of promising agreements and a reaffirmed commitment to shared progress and prosperity.
